Meeting with the driver and the guide in hotel.
A day filled with art from the ancient Pinacoteca Ambrosiana with was recently reopened to the Public, to the Medieval Sant'Ambrogio Basilica to the Majestic 18th Century Palazzo Litta.
Itinerary: Sant'Ambrogio Basilica is one of the oldest churches in Milan and one of the most historically interesting medieval buildings in Lombardy. It houses the remains of the city's patron saint, the church's founder, makes it a special place for the Milanese. Most of its present-day appearance is the result of rebuilding in the 10th and 12th centuries by the Benedectines from the nearby monastery, who made a model of Lombard Romanesque religious architecture. All the remains of that remains of the 4th century Basilica are the triumphal arch and its columns, which became part of the apse. In 1937 - 40 in the postwar period the Romanesque structure and delicate colours were restored. From the Pusterla (gate) there is a marvellous view of the church, with its two bell towers and atrium, flanked by the rectory and Museum, which was founded in 1949, assembles various precious relics of the religious life of the basilica. The treasure is placed half way down the flight of stairs, as the Processional Cross.
Palazzo Litta is considered one of the most beautiful examples of 18th century Lombard architecture, this building was first built in 1648, for Count Bartolomeo Arese by Francesco Maria Richini. Then in the 18th century Bartolomeo Bella put on the animated Rococo façade. The portal is flanked by two Atlases upholding the balcony. On the upper part of the front is the coat of arms of Litta Visconti Arese supported by the 2 Moors. Inside the rooms have retained their cold 18th century splendour: the Hall of the Mirrors, one of the most elaborate with its gilded carvings, the Red Room with its damask lined walls, and the Duchess' Living Room refined Chinese art works. Maurizio Church: In 1503 Gian Giacomo Dolcebuono began construction of this church, which was intended for the most powerful closed order of Benedictine nuns in Milan, with one hall for the public and another for the nuns. In the first hall to the right of the altar is the opening through which the nuns receive the Body of Christ.
Pinacoteca Ambrosiana: The Ambrosian Art gallery was founded by Cardinal Federico Borromeo, the cousin of San Carlo and his successor in charge of the archdiocese of Milan. A true art connoisseur, Borromeo planned the Gallery as part of a vast cultural project which included The Ambrosiana Library, opened in 1609, and the Accademia del Disegno for the training of young Counter- reformation artists. The Gallery founded to provide inspiration for emerging artists held 172 paintings - some of which already belonged to Borromeo, while others were purchased later after painstaking research by the cardinal. The collection was then enlarged thanks to private donations.
Return to hotel.
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